Rabbi Andrea will begin accepting new conversion students in May 2021.
Conversion Requirements
Brit Milah/Hatafat: Yes (supervision not required)
Mikvah: Yes (A permissible natural body of water in Ontario or Quebec)
Bet Din: Yes (local rabbis or lay Jews)
Conversion Location: Ottawa, Canada or Montreal, Quebec, depending on convenience – local meeting/boardroom space
Students Accepted: Chai, Mitzvah
Congratulations on your decision to learn about Judaism and work toward conversion! I realize what a momentous step this is for you, and should you choose to work with me, I look forward to hearing all about what led you to walk this sacred path, and about your vision for the future.
I am a teaching rabbi, university lecturer and researcher in religion and the humanities, and Scholar-in-Residence at OneShul. I’m also a professional writer, editor, and public speaker. In my free time, I’m an amateur astronomer, and can often be found stargazing on clear summer nights. My path to the rabbinate (smikha/ordination) was inspired by my ongoing career as a religion lecturer, as I also wanted to connect and work with interested students as a rabbinic teacher and mentor, on both the intellectual and emotional levels. My approach to teaching is eclectic and transdenominational, based on ideas located across the Jewish spectrum of denominations, primarily Renewal, as well as Earth-based Judaism – a practice that keeps the cycles of nature and the wheel of the year in mind in belief and ritual. I seek students who are looking for individualized attention as they explore the curriculum, and who want to dive deep into the richness of Jewish knowledge with their rabbi as a guide.
Additional Conversion Requirements
I welcome all sincere students who have decided to align their path with that of the Jewish people. If you are in an interfaith relationship with a partner who is not Jewish, I only request that we have a phone or Skype meeting including your partner to discuss your conversion to Judaism, and your mutual vision of a household where Judaism can flourish. If you have children, I don’t require that they convert to Judaism, but I do ask that they participate in Jewish rituals and celebrations so that they can come to know the joys of Jewish life.
